For any youngster, meeting a sporting icon is a landmark moment.
Anthony Joshua is one of those icons. The British heavyweight boxer, who recently defeated Jake Paul, has a record of 29 wins and four losses and is a two-time heavyweight champion.
Back in October 2018 Joshua was the unified world heavyweight champion and had won his most recent fight against Alexander Povetkin.
After the fight, Daniel Altmaier was offered the opportunity to meet Joshua.
Altmaier, who is now ranked 44th on the ATP Tour, was on work experience with Sky Sports as part of the development support for the Sky Sports Scholar.
Daniel Altmaier said meeting Anthony Joshua was the ‘highlight’ of his work experience
Daniel Altmaier turned professional in 2014 and has since become a mainstay in the ATP Tour’s top 50.
The German played, who has earned nearly $5 million dollars in prize money during his career, was still plying his trade when he met Anthony Joshua in 2018. Altmaier was ranked 370 at the end of 2018.
In a Sky Sports column, Altmaier spoke of his delight at having met Joshua.
He said: “The highlight of my work experience was being invited into the locker room of Anthony Joshua after the fight. I was in awe of meeting this enormous athlete.
“I couldn’t believe how humble and nice he was and he even took time to ask about me and my tennis career.
“AJ’s coach, Rob McCracken also talked with me and gave me some positive thoughts to take away. I also got to meet his team [close friends, manager, promoter, coach, and physio].
“They just gave out so much positive energy and that’s something which makes me happy. Even though I didn’t know them I felt totally comfortable and welcome in their company.”
Daniel Altmaier’s big wins of 2025
The German enjoyed his best year on the ATP Tour in 2025.
Altmaier achieved his best-ever ranking of 44 and recorded wins against two former Grand Slam finalists.
At the 2025 French Open, Altmaier stunned 2024 US Open finalist Taylor Fritz in the first round, defeating the American 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
He went on to reach the fourth round before losing to 15th seed Frances Tiafoe.
Almost five months later, the 27-year-old defeated former major finalist Casper Ruud in straight sets at the Paris Masters.
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